Students

Allan's Story

Allan 56, a former truck driver, injured himself on the job and was sent to Olympic Adult Education by a work rehabilitation service after identifying that he wanted to improve his literacy. The death of his mother when he was a young child had really impacted on his education and he wanted a second chance at improving his writing and general education.

He really enjoyed his time in the classes. Before coming to Olympic Adult Education he had hardly touched a computer but he used one regularly to write and to research class activities.

Allan was named Student of the Year and had his first attempt at public speaking at our annual certificate ceremony. He also enjoyed being the MC at our Annual General Meeting the following year.

Allan returned to work when he commenced at the Austin Hospital Supply Department. Allan came back to see if he could continue with his classes while working. He said, "ironically, would you believe, I am doing data entry on the computer as part of my job."

Sam's Story

My name is Samuel. I really enjoy coming to Olympic Adult Education and I have learnt a lot.

I am studying maths and have learnt to subtract, add, divide, and multiply numbers. Using maths for stuff like shopping. For example like working out half price off the normal price. And then I worked out 10%, 20% and 30% off the price for homework. We also started this term a footy tipping competition in maths class.I have learnt how to use a computer in English class, how to use the internet and how to do Google searches to find out information. Olympic Adult Education being easily accessible by public transport has made my life easier.

I have also met a lot of new friends and the teachers are always happy and would like a chat.

I like when I am trying something new and I like it when I get good feedback from my teachers. The teachers also enjoy when some of the students help other students. And there is always a good atmosphere at Olympic Adult Education.

The highlight of last year was when the whole school of Olympic Adult Education went to Puffing Billy. It was great day out because visiting Puffing Billy has always been one of my dreams.

Amanda's Story

Amanda wanted to become a childcare worker and knew she needed to read and write better so she enrolled in a literacy class at Olympic Adult Education. She enjoyed getting to know new people and made friends in her class.

In 2005 she participated in the Introduction to Community and Event Volunteering at our centre. The course helped people apply for volunteer positions for the Commonwealth Games and taught customer service and team work skills.

Amanda was given a position at UAC the Uniform Accreditation Centre giving out volunteer uniforms for the Commonwealth Games. At first she found getting to the shifts at early hours difficult but that in the end she asked for extra shifts because she loved it so much. She spoke at our AGM about her volunteer experience. "I really enjoyed doing the volunteer work because it gave me the confidence to do whatever I want in life". Her new confidence was very evident to staff and students who had been part of her learning journey at Olympic Adult Education.

Still set on her original goal she continued with her reading and writing, maths and computer classes then and when my teacher Natalie thought I was ready to do the Childcare course – I applied.

Three wonderful volunteers gave Amanda extra support with her literacy in class and she graduated from the Certificate III in Children's Services.